I am worthy!

I am officially sick and tired of being sick and tired all the time. I have given every excuse in the book: I'm not feeling well, I had a long day, I just want to sleep, or, the ever popular one, I'll do it tomorrow.

Well, more than 100 'tomorrows' have come and gone and I am still in the same boat I've been in since I started my undergraduate program eight years ago.

 If you were to ask my friends and family what my number one strength/weakness is, they would (probably) tell you it's my naturally empathetic nature. I love helping others and, many times, I tend to put other people's needs before my own.

But I cannot lie and say I'm an exceptional human being. We all have faults. None moreso than myself. Here's my list of problems that helped get me into this 'overweight and over stressed' category in life:
- Emotional snacking
- Need for instant gratification (ie 'Well, I'm here now. May as well enjoy that large ice cream while I can')
- Not being strong enough to say no
- Giving every excuse not to work out

 But worst of all, somewhere down the line, I lost the belief that I am a beautiful, deserving woman who has every right to put herself first.

I was too afraid that, if I put my needs first, I would be seen as a selfish, 'high-and-mighty' b-word. But the time for worrying about labels from the outside world is over. The only labels I care about are the ones my loving friends and family give me. Words I should have listened to long ago.

 This blog is going to chronicle my 'chrysalis stage', as it were. I feel that human beings are an ever changing, ever evolving species. I want to see where I started from and where I will be in one years time. And I would like for you to come along with me. Pitfalls and all, let's see what happens.

 As Lao Tzu has written, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." While this is a noble sentiment, I also believe that you should always start with an end in mind. So here are some of my blog goals:
- I will chronicle my physical and spiritual journey at least once a week
- I will post one positive mantra to say (and hopefully believe) for the whole week
- I will practice forgiveness of myself when I 'fall off the wagon'
- I will learn to walk in calm acceptance of the woman I am and who I have yet to become

 I hope I have your prayers and love as I start on this new journey. And to you, whoever you are: may you be well, may you be happy, and may no harm come to you. Namaste.

Mantra of the week: I am worthy!